Raisinville Elementary School Authorized to Offer International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program
MONROE, MI – Monroe Public Schools announces the designation of Raisinville Elementary School as fully authorized by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IB) to offer the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program.
The Primary Years Program (PYP) is offered to students aged 3-12 in 1,653 schools in 109 different countries worldwide. It encompasses a transdisciplinary framework focusing on the development of the whole child as an inquirer, both at school and beyond. Informed by research into how students learn, how educators teach, and the principles and practice of effective assessment, the program places a powerful emphasis on inquiry-based learning. Additionally, the PYP incorporates local and global issues into the curriculum, asking students to look at six related, transdisciplinary themes and to consider the links between them. The themes include: who we are; where we are in place and time; how we express ourselves; how the world works; how we organize ourselves; and sharing the planet. It provides schools with a curriculum framework of essential elements — the knowledge, concepts, skills, attitudes, and action that young students need to equip them for successful lives, both now and in the future.
“This honor is the culmination of five years of hard work, determination and study by our talented and dedicated staff,” said Raisinville Principal, Scott Hoppert. “Through implementation of the PYP, Raisinville School will continue to develop students’ academic, social and emotional wellbeing, focusing on international-mindedness and strong personal values, while nurturing independent learning skills, and encouraging every student to take responsibility for their learning.”
“I am so very proud of Raisinville Elementary School’s students, staff and leadership,” said Monroe Public Schools Superintendent, Dr. Julie Everly. “They all worked very hard to achieve this prestigious distinction – which will provide all of Monroe Public Schools’ elementary-aged students yet another exciting and innovative program that prepares them for whatever future they want to achieve.”
The PYP is a transformative experience for students, teachers and whole school communities. PYP students learn how to take control of their learning, teachers collaborate to deepen student- learning and increase their confidence and self-motivation. The whole school community, including parents, are viewed as partners in learning, and actively contribute to a holistic educational experience.
The International Baccalaureate aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. To this end, the organization works with schools, governments and international organizations to develop challenging programs of international education and rigorous assessment. These programs encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.